‘My sense of pride aids cancer battle’

PROUD granddad John Parrott, 81, with 17-year-old grandson David Atkins who is starring in the ITV drama City Lights.

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A GRANDDAD is being inspired to beat cancer by watching his grandson star in hit the television show City Lights.

John Parrott, 81, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in January last year and since then has endured months of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.

But it is watching 17-year-old David Atkins acting alongside stars such as Robson Green which is proving the best therapy for John.

And David's acting success couldn't have come at a better time for John, who is hoping for the all-clear later this month.

John, of Ellesmere Street, Little Hulton said: "Last year was a very bad year for me. I spent my 80th birthday in hospital but I am hoping to be given the all-clear now."

John's tumour was removed in September at Hope Hospital and he believes he has won the battle, but in the meantime a night by the telly watching his grandson once a week spurs him on.

The former dock worker said: "I'm really looking forward to every episode. I never thought I'd have a grandson who would become an actor. It really has brought me joy. He's such a laid back lad and I love spending time with him. I've been watching him perform since he was at school and this really is a dream come true for me."

David, who plays a love-struck teen in the series, goes round to his granddad's for tea every week and now the pair can enjoy their meal while watching the show.

David said: "It makes me really happy to think of my granddad being proud of me. It was awful when he was ill, I don't know what I'd do without him."

The youngster added: "It's been great being in the show but I don't want to get caught up in stardom. My family keep me straight-headed and I love going round to my granddad's for chips every week. He makes great chips and he loves to watch TV."

The Pendleton College student is also taking part in a charity fashion show to raise cash for cancer charities in May.

David will be one of the main models in the sold-out event on Thursday, May 3 alongside his brothers James, 21, and Joseph, 15.

If you would like to make a donation towards the raffle before the show, the family are looking for people to send in beauty packs, bottles of wine and champagne. Cash donations will also be accepted. Call Sue on: 07768590673.